By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
2020 fifth-overall pick Tua Tagovailoa got his first taste of NFL action on Sunday, but he’ll get a lot more than just a taste moving forwards.
According to EPSN’s Adam Schefter, Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is making a switch at quarterback. Tagovailoa take over as the teams starter when they return from the bye next week. Tagovailoa made his NFL debut against the New York Jets on Sunday, throwing and completing two passes for nine yards.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, who led the team to a 3-3 record to start the season, will be his backup. Fitzpatrick had thrown for 1,535 yards and 10 touchdowns, with four interceptions. He is in his 16th NFL season.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 24: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins talks with teammate Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 before the start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 24, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Due to a severe hip injury he suffered last year at Alabama, the Dolphins had been slowly brining Tagovailoa along in his rookie year. While there’s been much anticipation surrounding the 22-year-old, Flores and the Dolphins coaching staff has been commended for their patience.
The Dolphins are on their bye this week, which perhaps influenced the timing of the change. They’ll return to play in Week 8 hosting the Los Angeles Rams with Tua under center. LA has the fifth-best scoring defense in the league, so the Alabama product will have a challenge early.
Assuming he stays healthy, the Patriots will only see Tagovailoa once this season, having already played the Dolphins in Week 1. Their second and final meeting is scheduled for Week 15 in Miami.
Tagovailoa will have a chance to make an impact as he assumes the starting role. The Dolphins trail the Buffalo Bills by just a game for first place in the AFC East, with a Week 17 matchup still on the docket. Can he lead his new team to the playoffs for the first time since 2016?